Study on the Effect of Coal Blending Quality on the Performance of the XYZ 815 NMW Supercritical Power Plant

Abstract

A Supercritical Power Plant with a maximum capacity of 815 NMW faces a shortage of coal supply that meets boiler specifications. Therefore, coal blending with other types of coal is required to maintain operational continuity for one year. This study analyzes the impact of blending three types of coal on the performance of the power generation through laboratory tests, including proximate, ultimate, and ash analysis. Based on the laboratory results, performed coal blending at specific ratios and analyzed for slagging and fouling potential while being filtered against technical limitations. Five coal blending ratios that met the criteria were tested through direct firing in the boiler at a 790 NMW load to assess the impact on environmental, boiler cleanliness, unit efficiency, and cost savings. The results indicate that an increase in silica, and aluminum content in specific blends improved boiler cleanliness by up to 2%, while other blending ratios reduced cleanliness with the increase in ash content. Four coal blends improved boiler efficiency up to 3.1%, attributed to sustained boiler cleanliness and an increase in the blended coal's Gross Calorific Value (GCV), resulting in a reduction of total fuel flow. Consequently, unit efficiency also improved, with a decrease in NPHR of 61.05 kcal/kWh. Cost analysis revealed potential savings of up to IDR 42 billion per year from coal consumption and carbon tax reductions. Additionally, flue gas emissions and wastewater quality from all coal blending ratios remained within the limits set by the Ministry of Environment.

Country : Indonesia

1 Wishnu Ariyanto2 Endang Kusdiyantini3 Sulardjaka

  1. Master of Energy, Postgraduate School, Diponegoro University, Indonesia
  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Indonesia
  3. Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Indonesia

IRJIET, Volume 9, Issue 5, May 2025 pp. 466-482

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2025.905053

References

  1. Direktorat Jenderal Mineral dan Batubara Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral, “Road Map Pemanfaatan dan Pengembangan Batubara 2021 – 2045”,  Publikasi Hasil Kajian, 2021.
  2. XYZ Supercritical CFPP Fuel & Ash Department, “Fuel & Ash Report XYZ Supercritical CFPP,” 2024.
  3. Sloss L, “Blending of coals to meet power station requirements”, London, 2014.
  4. Rasgianti, N Cahyo, E Supriyanto, RB Sitanggang, M Triani, D Bakti, “The performance of Pacitan Power Plant (pulverized boiler) toward the blending coal: an experimental”,  2021.
  5. Prismantoko A, Karuana F, Ghasidin H, Ruhiyat AS, Adelia N, Prayoga MZE, Romelan R, Utomo SM, Cahyo N, Hartono J, Darmawan A, Muflikhun MA, Azis M, Hariana H, “Ash deposition behavior during co-combustion of solid recovered fuel with different coals”,  Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, Volume 48, artikel number 102404, 2024.
  6. Ali A.M.S, Syaiful A.Z, Gazali A, “Pengaruh Senyawa Alumina (Al2O3) Dan Silika (SiO2) Dalam Kualitas Batubara”, Program Studi Teknik Kimia, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Bosowa, 2024.
  7. Stultz S C and Kitto J B, “Steam: Its Generation and Use”, Ohio: The Babcock & Wilcox Company, 2025.
  8. Bhatt M S, “Effect of Ash in Coal on the Performance of Coal Fired Thermal Power Plants ”, Part I: Primary Energy Effects, 2006.
  9. Feng Z, Xin C, Zhou T, Zhang J, Fu T, “Airside thermal-hydraulic and fouling performances of economizers with integrally-molded spiral finned tubes for residual heat recovery”, 2022.
  10. J. Lachman, M. Balas, M. Lisy, H. Lisa, P.Milcak, P. Elbl, “An overview of slagging and fouling indicators and their applicability to biomass fuels”, Fuel processing technology, volume 217, 106804,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2021.106804, 2021.
  11. Raask E, “Mineral Impurities in Coal Combustion: Behaviour, Problems, Remedial Measures (Wahington DC: Hemisphere Publishing Corporation) ”, 1985.
  12. Frandsen F.J, “Empirical Prediction of Ash Deposition Propensities”, Department of Chemical Engineering Technical university of Denmark, 1997.
  13. Plaza P P, Fouling, “The Development of a Slagging and Scale, Predictive Methodology for Large With, Pulverised Boilers Fired Blends Coal/Biomass”,  Cardiff University, 2013.
  14. Li J, “Effect of coal blending on Ash Fouling and Slagging in Pulverized Coal-Fired Supercritical (SC) and Ultra Supercritical (USC) Power Plants”, 2016.
  15. Suhaily H, Hairin H, Moesafi H, Arif S  “Energy Audit Report - XYZ Supercritical Coal Fired Power Plant”, 2023.
  16. Arif W. Suriyan, “Coal Fired Power Plant Heat Rate Analysis Manual Training”, 2024.
  17. Ghasidin H, “Investigation of Ash-Related Problem on Sequential Feeding Method for Coal Combustion in Drop Tube Furnace”, 2023.
  18. J.L. Míguez, J. Porteiro, F. Behrendt, D. Blanco, D. Patino, A. Dieguez-Alonso, “Review of the use of additives to mitigate operational problems associated with the combustion of biomass with high content in ash-forming species, Renew”, Sustain. Energy Rev. 141, 2021.
  19. J. Lachman, M. Balas, M. Lisy, H. Lisa, P. Milcak, P. Elbl, “An overview of slagging and fouling indicators and their applicability to biomass fuels”, Fuel Process. Technol. 217, 2021.
  20. Dirjen Ketenaga Listrikan Kementrian ESDM., “Pedoman Perhitungan dan Pelaporan Inventarisasi Gas Rumah Kaca” Bidang Energi – Sub Bidang Ketenagalistrikan, 2018.
  21. Keputusan Menteri Energi Dan Sumber Daya Mineral Republik Indonesia Nomor: 41.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2023, “Harga Jual Batubara Untuk Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Bahan Baku/ Bahan Bakar Industri Semen Dan Pupuk Di Dalam Negeri”, 2023.
  22. Mitsubishi Heavy Industri, “Operation Manual Training for Paiton 3 Expantion Project”, POMI Training Manual, 2012.
  23. Mitsui & Co. Ltd, “Boiler Pressure Part Operation”, POMI operation manual, 2011.
  24. Ade Arta M.Z., “Analisis Co-Firing Bahan Bakar Jumputan Padat (BBJP) Dan Batubara Terhadap Performa Pada Pulverizer Coal Boiler”, Universitas Diponegoro, Tesis Magister Energy, 2024.